NOAA has issued a new bulletin providing updated forecasts of harmful algal blooms (HABs) for the cyanobacteria Microcystis in Lake Erie on July 2, 2018. 

Keeps pets and yourself out of water in areas where scum is forming.

In the event that you do come into contact with water that is known to be contaminated with cyanotoxins, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that you rinse off with clean, fresh water as soon as possible. Seek medical treatment right away if you think you or someone you know might have been poisoned by cyanobacterial toxins, especially when any of the symptoms mentioned below are recognized.

Cyanotoxins: Health Risks to Humans

Pets, livestock, and people trying to cool off may be exposed to microcystins resulting in liver damage or failure. Signs of liver injury include vomiting, diarrhea, blood in stool or black, tarry stool, weakness, pale mucous membranes, jaundice, seizures, disorientation, coma, and shock. Death generally follows within days as a result of liver failure.  Aggressive, immediate treatment is necessary to help treat this quick-acting, potentially fatal poison.

Anatoxins result in neurotoxicity evidenced by excessive secretions (e.g., salivation, lacrimation, etc.), neurologic signs (including muscle tremors, muscle rigidity, paralysis, etc.), blue discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes, and difficulty breathing. Death follows within minutes to hours of exposure as a result of respiratory paralysis. Livestock that graze around affected ponds or lakes and are able to drink from them are often found dead near the water source. Treatment includes anti-seizure medication, oxygen, and aggressive care by your veterinarian.